Heidi Lawrence

The strategic plan for Garrison Independent School District outlines key goals for academic achievement, student safety, facility maintenance, and extra-curricular program development. It focuses on sustaining a high academic rating through an aligned curriculum, ensuring student safety via communication and secure access, providing safe and well-maintained facilities that foster student development, and developing competitive extra-curricular programs. The overarching mission is to equip students with the skills necessary to compete, contribute, and meet the challenges of a changing, complex society.

The meeting commenced with the establishment of a quorum. Key discussion points included the Superintendent's report, which covered updates on the Baseball/Softball field, the Reunification Plan, and MS Gym Restrooms. The board entered a closed session to discuss superintendent recommendations regarding professional personnel. Upon returning to open session, the board unanimously approved the recommendation to hire Shawn Holmes on a dual non-chapter 21 100-day contract.

The meeting commenced with the establishment of quorum and an invocation, followed by a hearing of citizens where a topic concerning the athletic director position was raised. Campus representatives presented appreciation gifts to the board. Principal reports included updates on elementary testing windows, UIL achievements, ongoing basketball success, robotics competition preparation, and benchmark testing schedules for elementary and middle schools. The high school report detailed EOC retesting interventions, a successful blood drive, upcoming benchmark testing dates, cheerleading competition results, and preparations for band concert season, noting FFA attendance at the Fort Worth Stock Show. Action was taken to reject a bid for Struck Off Property. The board discussed revisions to the Garrison ISD Cheer Constitution for the 2026-2027 school year and reviewed the election timeline for the May 2, 2026, board election. The Superintendent's Report covered several administrative items, including an update on the AD/Head Football Coach Search and technology matters. A presentation was made on the results of the Athletic Director position survey. During closed session, discussions included the Superintendent Evaluation/Contract and criteria for the Athletic Director/Head Football Coach role, as well as discussions regarding real property. Upon returning to open session, the board approved a one-year contract extension and salary increase for the Superintendent.

Key discussions during the meeting included student recognition for the varsity volleyball team and senior band members. Citizen input was heard regarding board governance. Reports were provided on the budget, the 2024-2025 School First Rating Review, and detailed updates from the elementary, middle, and high school principals covering academics, service projects, and athletics. The board voted against funding the seatbelt renovation for buses with a 3-point harness. Actions taken included calling for the May 2nd, 2026 General Election, approving the construction delivery method for cafeteria restrooms, and approving the superintendent evaluation tool. The board entered and exited a closed session to discuss superintendent recommendations regarding professional personnel and real property matters, followed by the acceptance of a resignation.

The Garrison ISD School Board meeting included a budget workshop presented by Dr. Hill, and the Superintendent's Report which covered topics such as the Sprint Turf Contract, a new weight room rack in the Boys Field House, a surplus auction, a Bulldog Ring of Honor Meeting, break-out sessions for in-service, and Meet the Teacher night. The board also discussed and approved updating EIC Local policies. Additionally, the board convened in a closed session to discuss superintendent recommendations regarding professional personnel and real property matters. Following the closed session, the board voted to retract a Chapter 21 contract due to non-certification and approved the employment of Jack Alvarez on a probationary dual chapter 21 contract.